The Seductive Appeal of Agent Provocateur

We all know the intense draw we women feel towards exceptionally beautiful and fragile things... something about the french lace, the blindfolds, the naughty but delicate fluidity that we ourselves possess as well... and something about companies that are equally able to capture that essence and continuously deliver a product that we cannot imagine ourselves living without!

Welcome my darlings to the magical world of Agent Provocateur! A land of pin-ups, dominatrix vixens and flirtatious nymphs are all waiting to be discovered... a brand sugarcoated in to-die-for sex.

Not only are their styles and cuts impeccable, but the quality is pretty hard to top (Vivienne Westwood taught her son (one of the brand's owners and creators) right)!

I am now the owner of multiple AP bras, bustiers, nipple pasties and knickers and they all most definitely top my lingerie list. They make you feel like a doll... all dressed up in her best apparel, and well, I would be lying if I said that my boyfriend doesn't appreciate it ;).

Be sure to check out their summer collection and swimsuits (and stay tuned in for their sales - mega worth it)! If you're getting married, their bridal lingerie is TO DIE FOR!

Now go - spread the word my lovelies!

xox

Fashionista 514

Your Summer time Fragrance, Sex and the City Inspired!

So I've been seeing this scent everywhere lately, and that's no surprise at the Sex and the City 2 is coming THIS WEEK! (Some of the amazing ladies from Maddy K are attending the preview, including myself!! Yes, I'll blog about it!!!)

Sarah Jessica Parker explains the scent here:

"A large part of the inspiration was what I now understand to be people's impressions of seeing Carrie Bradshaw walk down the street and what feelings that evokes for her and for them -- a real sense of freedom and possibilities, a love for the city around her and, of course, fashion, but the most surprising aspect [of SJP NYC] is the strawberry note that looms nicely at the top of the fragrance," Parker continued. "The reason it surprises me is because I have this idea in my head that strawberry is very youthful and juvenile, but this fragrance doesn't smell candy sweet. It amazes me that this essence of strawberry mixes so beautifully with the more sophisticated floral notes and the musks that I love and will always have as part of my fragrances. In a million years I would never think, 'Let's work around strawberry.'"

It's just fabulous as a daily scent and definitely something that's great as a little gift for one of your best girlfriends or... .bridesmaids! :)

Boudoir Photography in Montreal - Andrea Hausmann Photography

It's you on a totally new level! Andrea Hausmann Photography is the ultimate in boudoir, burlesque, sexy and tantalizing photography. Everyday women are turned into sexy and strong Diva's at an Andrea Hausmann shoot.

I was inspired the first time I saw her website - I thought, wow, I want pictures just like those for me and for my boyfriend. Our friend Robyn has had pictures taken with Andrea, and they are simply breath taking!

Robyn of Fashionista514

The way their team pampers you, and treats you - it's the ultimate experience! You can go as clothed or not as you'd like - it's simply up to you. In the relaxed environment, you'll have no pressure to take it all off!
It's a little something for you, and if you want... something for your boyfriend/fiance/husband. He'll definitely remember why you two got together in the first place, we guarantee it!

"A photoshoot at the studio means letting yourself be spoiled for a few hours. You’ll have the opportunity to try on fabulous gowns, custom lingerie and drape yourself with jewels, all the while sipping bubbly and nibbling treats. The goal is to inspire you to explore and reveal a side of yourself that is not seen everyday. The experience is made complete with a custom wardrobe, make-up artist, hairstylist, and the wonderful space that is my studio. "

Reviews by real women:

"Thanks a million for making me look and feel gorgeous. Everyone agrees this has been the best pictures of me ever!" ~Mallory

"I had such a blast hanging out in your studio on the day of my shoot... all the dress up stuff, plus hair and makeup and champagne to sip... it was a very fun time. And on top of it, a set of gorgeous photos to have as a memory for all time - icing on the cake!!" ~Tracey Steer

Guest Speakers for the 2010 Bridal Boudoir Affair

Announcing one of the Guest Speakers for the 2010 Bridal Boudoir Affair - Montreal's hottest wedding event and fashion show!

We pride ourselves on giving Montreal Brides the best possible event and experience at the Bridal Boudoir Affair. This year is no exception! We have a great lineup of speakers this year, and we are proud to announce one of them right now!

Alison McGill, editor-in-chief of Weddingbells magazine, will be speaking to Montreal Brides at the Bridal Boudoir Affair!

Passionate about fashion, literature and pop culture, McGill’s editorial mandate for Weddingbells is to produce an insightful, inspirational magazine for Canadian brides-to-be. Prior to joining Weddingbells, McGill was the editor-in-chief of Salon Magazine and producer of The Contessa Awards. In November 2005, in addition to her duties at Weddingbells, she was appointed editor-in-chief of FASHION18 magazine. An entertaining and engaging speaker, McGill has been featured as an expert guest on a variety of media programs including Canada AM, Breakfast Television, CityLine, CBC Radio, Rich Bride Poor Bride on Slice, Startv, eTalk, MuchMusic, MuchMoreMusic, Real Life on CTS and ET Canada. McGill studied journalism at Sheridan College and holds an Honours English BA from the University of Western Ontario.

Weddingbells magazine is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, and we are excited for Alison to come to Montreal and speak to our brides about trends, fashions and everything else in-between!

We hope you join us for the 20101 Bridal Boudoir Affair! Venue and Ticket information coming very soon! :)

Fashion Fridays with the Boudoir!

Here are two looks we really love! Both gowns are a bit edgy, yet soft enough to be beautiful bridal wear! What we're loving about this is the POP of colour! It's a classy and simple way to add a little colour or incorporate your theme to your dress.

Need something blue? Show it off with these GORGEOUS gloves! They are perfect for pictures after the ceremony or reception! Easily matching them blue shoes - sex and the city Manolo Blahnik's would be a PERFECT match to these wonderful gloves!

Manolo Blahnik

Speaking about Manolo Blahniks - the Maddy K team found the BEST spot for some great Manolo deals.
About 1 hour north of New York City (and around 4-5hours South of Montreal) lays a fabulous outlet mall called Woodbury Commons. (Or as we often refer to as Mecca!) This amazing place has loads of fashions a amazing prices! Coach is by far the BEST DEAL - we were picking up purses and wallets for a fraction of the CND prices! And of course - we stooped into Manolo Blahniks - it was like heaven on earth!

I highly suggest you go to Woodbury Commons, even if for a day! It's amazing!

Have a great weekend!

Getting the Most out of a Bridal Show

(image from the 2009 Bridal Boudoir Affair)

We're often asked how to "tackle" a bridal show. It's very overwhelming for most brides as there is just so much to see, eat, try and do! Here are a few key steps that will help you make the most of a bridal show.


1. Buy your tickets for the show in advance! Shows usually offer early birds, coupons and promotions before the show, unfortunately at the door... there is no deal!

2. Don't drag your man to the show - that is unless he wants to go! A bridal show is very, how do you say, targeted to women. Although it's great to have your finance with you, if he doesn't want to go... don't drag him!

3.Bring a camera! This is a little trick we tell all our brides! If you see an idea or are inspired by the set-up, it's easier to show your planner what you want when you have pictures to accompany them!

(image from the 2009 Bridal Boudoir Affair)

4 . Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be standing almost the entire day, so you want to make sure you're comfortable.

5. Bring a pen and a pad of paper. Taking notes will help you remember what you talked about and who you spoke with. If you get a vendors business card mark a "happy face" or "sad face" if you liked or disliked the vendor - or rate the vendor with a score, from 1-10. It's a easy little trick that will help you remember who you liked!

6. Bring 1 or 2 people, but you definitely don't need to bring the entire bridal party. Having a few key people is important, but too many can make for a crowded and overwhelming experience.

(image from the 2009 Bridal Boudoir Affair)

7. Arrive early! Most of the crowds arrive mid-day. Being there early will give you more time with vendors.

8. Don't buy on the spot, but make an appointment shortly after the show. It's easy to get caught up in the moment, but sometimes those "impulse buys" will haunt you. Make an appointment with the vendor after the show.

9. Leave room for snacking, but don't go to a show starving! There are always treats, desserts, drinks and snacks at a show, but there are rarely any meals. If you tend to get hungry, bring an energy bar!

(image from the 2009 Bridal Boudoir Affair)

10. Have Fun!!! This is a once in a lifetime experience for you, enjoy the show and relax!